Distance 62 km (38.8 miles) | |
Price range US$14-US$21 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 15m-2h | |
Earliest Departure 02:30 | |
Latest Departure 06:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest ferry: 1h 15m
Cheapest ferry: US$14
The ferry ride from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe only takes an hour and 30 minutes which is just enough time to turn anticipation levels up to 11. Ticket prices are affordable, from US$20, and there are approximately 26 departures to take you from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe every day.
On board the boat you'll find a washroom and air-conditioning. There will also be a small kiosk selling snacks and drinks. It's not generally allowed to bring your own food and drink onboard, although bottled water is usually acceptable.
Koh Lipe is still regarded as one of Thailand's semi-secret spots and promises all of those extra special white sand idylls that turn dreams into reality. Although it's only 62 kilometers (38 miles) from the mainland, Koh Lipe is another world away in terms of laid-back loveliness.
You'll find three beaches to choose from: Sunrise, Sunset and Pattaya, but a trek up to Koh Adang viewpoint is the best place around the island for a more complete perspective for photographs. A good pair of sneakers will be all you need to make it to the top rather than having to lug a big pair of hiking boots around with you.
Accommodation on Koh Lipe varies and it's a good idea to have somewhere to head to, in advance, for when you arrive at the island's pier. Alternatively, you can just wing it and chat to a few of your fellow travelers on board the ferry to find out where they're going and what they plan to do on the island.
Most travelers choose Koh Lipe as an ideal location for lazing around in hammocks, tasting the local beach food and snorkeling in the warm shallow waters. There's not much else to do, other than beach parties and a low key bar scene, so why not relax or explore the untouched natural environment?
The ferry ride from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe is quite quick as the distance from the mainland to the island is only 62 kilometers (38 miles). This gives you just enough time to watch the Andaman Sea undulate past the window and maybe catch up on a few zees if you've been traveling for a while beforehand.
Whilst onboard you can expect to experience a few bumps because of the speed and the size of the vessel, but nothing too serious. And all safety provisions, including life jackets, have been taken to ensure passengers are as comfortable and secure as possible.
Most travelers will have already experienced other parts of Thailand before arriving at Pak Bara and it's a good idea to find out a few personal recommendations on the ride to Koh Lipe. Chatting to random travelers is all part of the adventure and you'll be surprised as to what you can learn in just a short ferry ride.
Some travelers may even have been to Koh Lipe before. These guys will be fountains of knowledge and it's definitely a good idea to pick their brains if you want to find out more about where's best to eat, sleep and party.
Taking a ferry
Taking a speedboat or high-speed ferry across the Andaman is the only way to get to Koh Lipe from Pak Bara. Most travelers opt for a speedboat ferry ride that usually takes about an hour and 30 minutes. This is not only the safest, and most comfortable, way to travel but it's also affordable. Ferry ticket prices start from as little as US$20.
Ferry boats leave from the mainland to Koh Lipe throughout the day; and in peak season – November to May – there are around 26 daily departures. It's a good idea to book your seat in advance and is also always worth turning up 30 minutes early to ensure you get a good seat and don't miss the crossing. It's also good practice to have accommodation organized for when you arrive on Koh Lipe. On some occasions, hotels and resorts will send a representative to meet you at the pier. Other places will encourage guests to make their own way by taxi or on foot.
Although the speedboats and high-speed ferries from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe are relatively small they still feature facilities, including washrooms and air-conditioned areas. Most will also have somewhere to buy food and drink – although nothing too fancy. Please note: it's advisable to take some Thai Baht for buying snacks onboard as bringing your own food is discouraged.
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